The devil is in the details, they say. The image above shows Capella Washington’s management team examining potential silverware, china and stemware to be used in the dining outlets and rooms at the soon-to-open hotel.

General Manager Alex Obertop explained to us that this process is more difficult than it might seem. Hotels want to find pieces that are attractive, elegant, and fitting of a luxury property but that are at the same time timeless and relatively inexpensive. Items break daily, and you don’t want to bankrupt a hotel by choosing pieces that are difficult to replace.

“Birth of a Hotel” is a Gadling exclusive series that details what happens as a hotel prepares to open. Follow along with the articles and updates at the “Birth Of A Hotel” page, here.